Cerritos Stabbing Suspect Nabbed in Lakewood

A 32-year-old man accused of stabbing another man in the back during an argument over cardboard in the garage of a Cerritos home is scheduled to appear in court today.

Brent Stanton Philhower -- a known transient in the Cerritos, Bellflower and Lakewood areas -- was apprehended by deputies in Lakewood on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m., Lt. G. Deedrick of the said.

Deedrick said Philhower will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held on $30,000 bail and is scheduled to appear at the Bellflower courthouse at 8:30 a.m. today, according to the Sheriff's Department's website. 

The series of events leading up to Philhower's arrest began about 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 14 when he and an acquaintance -- also a transient -- were recycling cardboard in the garage of a home at 18302 Vickie Ave. in Cerritos. At some point, the pair began arguing, and Philhower pushed down the victim and allegedly stabbed him in the back with a small knife, then fled the scene, the lieutenant said. 

The victim suffered a non-life threatening wound and was treated at a hospital. However, the scuffle sparked widespread curiosity from nearby residents who were intrigued by the bloody trail spanning from the home’s front door to the sidewalk.